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Retrospective versus original information on cigarette smoking. Implications for epidemiologic studies.

This study was conducted to evaluate the agreement between retrospective information on cigarette smoking and original information obtained six years previously. A questionnaire on smoking habits was answered by 94% of a random sample of the adult Swedish population in 1963 (original information). Of the 10,356 subjects aged 40-59 years who reported that they had ever smoked regularly, 9,394 answered a second questionnaire in 1969. Information was obtained on present smoking habits as well as on smoking habits in 1963 (retrospective information). Cigarette consumption was divided into four categories: 0, 1-7, 8-15, and 16+ cigarettes per day. In relation to the original information on smoking, retrospective information showed a strong tendency to overestimate previous cigarette consumption among subjects who had increased their cigarette smoking (69%), and to underestimate previous cigarette consumption among subjects who had decreased their cigarette smoking (49%). Subjects with unchanged cigarette consumption showed a high level of agreement between original and retrospective information (89%). Age, sex, income, and occupational status also had some impact on the agreement between retrospective and original information on cigarette consumption. Consequences for epidemiologic studies based on retrospective smoking information are discussed. The use of retrospective information may introduce considerable differential misclassification when cases and noncases differ with regard to changes in smoking habits.

Adult↗

Multiple sclerosis and organic solvents.

We investigated a possible causal relation between exposure to organic solvents in Danish workers (housepainters, typographers/printers, carpenters/cabinetmakers) and onset of multiple sclerosis. Data on men included in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Register (3,241 men) were linked with data from the 1970 census from the National Bureau of Statistics in Denmark, which has data on occupational status for 1,768,846 men between 15 and 74 years of age. From this census, we ascertained a group of 124,766 "solvent-exposed" men and an "unexposed" group of 87,501 male electricians, bricklayers, and butchers. Over a follow-up period of 20 years, we observed no increase in the incidence of multiple sclerosis among men presumed to be exposed to organic solvents. It was not possible to obtain data on potential confounders, and the study design has some potential for selection bias. Nevertheless, the study does not support existing hypotheses regarding an association between occupational exposure to organic solvents and multiple sclerosis.

Adolescent↗

The family heart dietary intervention program: community response and characteristics of joining and nonjoining families.

A random sample of 501 eligible families was selected from a designated neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, and given the opportunity to join a 5-year intervention program promoting a low-fat and low-cholesterol eating pattern designed to reduce risk for coronary heart disease. Participation entailed three baseline assessments of clinical, dietary, and psychological indices, periodic follow-up measurements, and monthly small group meetings led by psychologists and nutritionists. A prior home health survey allowed comparisons of respondents from joining and nonjoining families in terms of reported health status, health beliefs, health locus of control, knowledge about health and nutrition, and demographic characteristics. Almost half (47%) of all invited families agreed to join this long-term nutrition intervention program and completed the necessary baseline assessments. Factors discriminating joiners and nonjoiners were not generally consistent with the health belief model of preventive health behavior. Joiners were similar to nonjoiners in terms of perceived susceptibility to disease, family health histories, and reports of elevated plasma cholesterol levels in the family. However, families with hypertensive members were less likely to join this heart disease prevention program. Positive predictors of participation included higher occupational status, greater knowledge about heart disease, a more internal health locus of control, and the belief that there are few barriers preventing the adoption of a healthier low-fat eating pattern. These findings indicate that there is widespread community interest in optimal nutrition, and they also provide suggestions as to what motivates the general public to take preventive health actions.

Adolescent↗

Changes in capability in a sample of Finnish aging workers.

The purpose of the present study was to determine how capabilities changed during a 16-year follow-up, and the role of aging in the process. The study population consisted of those who filled out all four questionnaires (n = 3815). At the baseline, in 1981, all participants were active workers with a mean age of 50 years (range 45-58). In 1997, the respondents were mainly retired, only 5% were still at work. The total measure of capability was constructed by summing up the dimensions of cognitive, psychoemotional, physical, and motor capacity. The associations between capability and age, type of work, and occupational status were estimated by general linear models. The results indicate that there was a strong decrease of capability in the 50-year-old active workers from 1985 to 1992. After that, capability began to rise again. This suggests that more actions of promoting working ability should be directed to this age group.

Aged↗

Job demands, job decision latitude, job support, and social network factors as predictors of mortality in a Swedish pulp and paper company.

Three hundred and ninety one male employees aged 35-65 in a Swedish pulp and paper company were followed up for 22 years; 151 deaths were recorded by 31 December 1983. On the basis of data from 1961, indices for job decision latitude, job support, and other work related psychosocial factors were constructed as were five indices for non-work related social network factors. All indices were checked by life table analysis in respect of mortality. Job decision latitude and a combined index for job decision latitude and job support showed significant associations with mortality. These two indices were investigated by multivariate analysis with scale for evaluation of neuroticism and known somatic risk factors such as smoking, cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Age, educational level, occupational status, physically heavy work, and general health state were also included in the multivariate analysis. Age, systolic blood pressure, the combined index for job decision latitude and job support, smoking, and neuroticism were shown to be independent predictors of mortality.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Classic nephropathic cystinosis as an adult disease.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the clinical characteristics of infantile nephropathic cystinosis in adult patients who have undergone renal transplantation. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Clinical research unit. PATIENTS: All 36 adult patients with nephropathic cystinosis referred to the National Institutes of Health. OUTCOME MEASURES: Longevity, growth, renal allograft survival, visual acuity, endocrine insufficiency, myopathy and swallowing dysfunction, cerebral calcifications, and occupational status. RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, seven were dead, five with functioning allografts. The 1-year and 5-year graft survival rates for 30 cadaveric allografts were 90% and 75%, respectively. The patients' mean height and weight were severely retarded. Five patients were legally blind, and three others had severely impaired vision in one eye. Thirty-one (86%) of 36 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. One third had a distal myopathy, and 21 had moderate to severe swallowing abnormalities. Eight patients had cerebral calcifications on computed tomographic scan. Despite these complications, the sighted patients engaged in a normal variety of occupations. Only 11 patients were receiving adequate cystine-depleting therapy with cysteamine (mercaptamine) or phosphocysteamine. CONCLUSIONS: Adult patients with nephropathic cystinosis suffer serious complications of the disease.

Adult↗

Evaluation of syphilis in patients with HIV infection in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To document the manifestations of syphilis among patients with concurrent HIV infection over a 12-month period. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study of all adult patients with syphilis and HIV infection who attended the skin clinic of the University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, between July 2000 and June 2001. A standardized questionnaire was used to record age, sex, marital status, occupation and risk factor for HIV infection; initial site of onset of rash/ulcers, duration of the illness, any concomitant affection of mucosa, hair and nails as well as treatments received by each patient prior to presentation. Morphological distribution of lesions, mucosal surface (conjuctival, vulval and rectal) examinations and documentation of concomitant disorders with HIV were noted by the examining dermatologist. Lesional biopsy and dark-field microscopy were undertaken to confirm diagnosis where serologic (non-treponemal and treponemal specific) tests for syphilis were inconsistent with clinical suspicion. Each patient had a routine chest x-ray, mantoux and purified protein derivative (PPD) status taken. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (21 males) with concurrent syphilis and HIV were seen during the study period. Primary syphilis was diagnosed in nine (29%), secondary syphilis in 20 (64.5%) and latent syphilis in two (6.5%). Neurosyphilis was not observed. Prevalence of syphilis for these patients with concurrent HIV was 2.1%. Mean duration of syphilis was 3.9 months +/- 1.4 and lesions of greatest concern occurred mainly on the genitalia. The glans penis was affected in 10 (32.3%) cases, the penile shaft in seven (22.6%), the oral cavity in five (16.1%), the rectum in six (19.4%) and the vulva in three (0.9%) cases. Nine (29.1%) patients had a history of primary syphilitic chancre, 19 (61.3%) had a past history of sexually transmitted disease (STD)--particularly genital ulcers--while three (9.7%) could not recall any past history of STD. Eighteen (59.3%) had a history of unprotected sex, 16 (51.7%) had multiple sexual partners, four (13.3%) had had oral sex, and one anal sex (3.3%); none admitted to being bisexual. Other relevant risk factors for HIV transmission were blood transfusion within 5 years for three (9.7%) and intravenous drug use in two (6.5%). Some patients had more than one condition as a potential source of exposure. Serological tests were weakly reactive in 17 (48.4%), strongly reactive in nine (29%) and non-reactive in five (16.1%) patients. Three patients exhibited prozone phenomenon. Treatment comprised the syndromic approach, which currently is advocated for use in primary healthcare centres without facilities for aetiological diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION: Our cases with concurrent syphilis and HIV/AIDS had unusual manifestations, responded to treatment more slowly and died sooner than cases described in Western literature due to generally lower levels of health.

Adolescent↗

[Work capacity in patients on hemodialysis].

The quality of life is considerably impaired in patients on regular hemodialysis has been changed. It is difficult to determine it because there are no general definitions or measuring instruments. There are objective and subjective components of the quality of life, one among them being occupational ability. During the progression of chronic renal disease (CRD) to terminal renal failure (TRF) physical activity of the patients becomes poorer. In this stage, their physical activity is by 40-60% below the value expected for the same healthy age cohort. The intention of this analysis was to determine occupational ability in patients on regular hemodialysis. The analysis included 161 patients on hemodialysis, 78 (48.5%) female and 83 (51.5%) male, mean age 61.2 +/- 13.1 years, and mean time on hemodialysis was 54 +/- 71.9 months. All patients filled-out a self-administered questionnaire on schooling and occupational ability. The cause of TRF was glomerulonephritis in 45 (26.8%), diabetes mellitus in 42 (26.3%), nephrosclerosis in 26 (16.1%), and pyelonephritis in 12 (7.4%) patients. Age distribution was as follows: 0-19 years 1 patient, 20-44 years 14 (8.7%); 45-64 years 64 (39.8%) and 65 years 82 (50.9%) patients. Educational structure: elementary school 65 (40.4%), secondary school 79 (49.1%), college 10 (6.2%), and university 6 (3.7%) patients. Occupational structure: retired 123 (76.4%), housekeeper 20 (12.4%), never employed 4 (2.5%), employed 10 (6.2%), unemployed 2 (1.2%), 1 child and 1 student. Among employed patients there were 7 men and 3 women. Their educational level was as follow: elementary school 1 patient, secondary school 8 patients, college 1 patient. At the beginning of hemodialysis their occupational status was: full-time employment 30 (18.6%) patients, part-time employment 1 patient, longer time on sick-leave payment (3.1%), retired 95 (59%), pupils and students 3, unemployed 2, and 1 child did not attended school. Time interval between the beginning of hemodialysis and retirement was: less than 1 year work 13 (36.1%) patients, 1-2 year work 6 (16.7%), three year work 2 patients, more than 8 year work 2 patients, and 10 year work only 3 patients, for 14, 18 and 26 years each. Two patients lost their job for employer bankruptcy. The judgment of patients regarding their occupational ability was as follows: out of 161 patients, 23 (14.3%) felt fit for work, 12 on full-time and 11 on part-time basis. Occupationally incapable were 46.6% of patients, and 63 felt unable to take care of another person. Some kind of additional activity, like working in garden or taking care of children was reported by 26 patients. The aforementioned results showed that 22.4% of the patients were occupationally active at the time of starting hemodialysis. Many patients were retired after hemodialysis had started. Only 6.2% of hemodialysis patients were occupationally active although 14.3% felt occupationally capable. The main reasons for such a low level of employment were advanced age, diminished physical activity due to the disease, and difficulties associated with the socioeconomic situation in the country.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Successful aging: an elaboration of social and psychological factors.

The purpose of the present research is to assess and elaborate the empirical relationships between a life satisfaction index (LSI) developed and validated by the author and a selected number (23) of social/demographic/psychological factors, using a multistage probability sample noninstitutionalized adults sixty years of age and older living in the continental U.S. in 1973. The data analysis indicated that marital status, occupational prestige, years of formal education, race, annual income, and a variety of specific satisfaction with life measures (p less than .01) were related to successful aging. These associations were elaborated by systematically introducing test factors, i.e., control variables. This statistical-methodological technique produced instances of replication, suppression, explanation, interpretation, and specification, all of which are reported in the body of the text.

Aged↗

Low socioeconomic status and risk for infection with human herpesvirus 8 among HIV-1 negative, South African black cancer patients.

Between January 1994 and October 1997, we interviewed 2576 black in-patients with newly diagnosed cancer in Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa. Blood was tested for HIV-1 and HHV-8 antibodies and the study was restricted to 2191 HIV-1 antibody-negative patients. We examined the relationship between infection with HHV-8 and sociodemographic and behavioural factors using unconditional logistic regression models. Of the 2191 HIV-1 negative patients who did not have Kaposi's sarcoma, 854 (39.1%) were positive for antibodies against the latent nuclear antigen of HHV-8 encoded by orf73 in a immunofluorescence assay. Infection with HHV-8 was independently associated with increasing age (P trend = 0.02). For females, independent risk factors also included working in a paid domestic capacity (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09-2.44, P = 0.02), defining occupational status as economically non-active unemployed (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.06-2.72, P = 0.03), having a state pension or being on a disability grant (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05-2.11, P = 0.02), using oral contraceptives (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03-1.99, P = 0.03) and having a delayed age at menarche (P trend = 0.04). The relationship between these variables and HHV-8 antibody status requires further, prospective study.

Adult↗

The Finnish family competence study: dental oral self-care behaviour and awareness of gingivitis/calculus in fathers of young families.

The purpose of this study was to examine oral self-care behaviour and the prevalence of gingivitis and dental calculus in fathers of young families using a questionnaire. The participation rate at 18 months after the birth of the first child was 73.1%. The mean age of the respondents (n = 917) was 28.1 years (range 17-49; SD 4.6). Dental health and dental care were assessed by asking about the existence of gingivitis and dental calculus. Oral hygiene habits were analysed by asking about the use of toothpicks and dental floss and the regularity of toothbrushing. Gingivitis and dental calculus were found to be related to age and to educational and occupational status. The older respondents used dental floss and toothpicks more often and brushed their teeth more regularly than those in the younger age group. When the wife's knowledge was poor, the respondent's oral hygiene habits were also poor. If the wife's knowledge level was good, the young father's oral hygiene was good, too. Parents transfer their own oral health care habits to their children. Respondents whose parents had a high socio-economic status exhibited good oral hygiene habits. The Maternity Health Care Clinic and Well-Baby Clinic network can also influence oral health care habits. The relevant parts of general prophylactic guidance given at these clinics should be included in dental health programmes.

Adolescent↗

Do socioeconomic differences in mortality persist after retirement? 25 year follow up of civil servants from the first Whitehall study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of death associated with work based and non-work based measures of socioeconomic status before and after retirement age. DESIGN: Follow up study of mortality in relation to employment grade and car ownership over 25 years. SETTING: The first Whitehall study. SUBJECTS: 18,133 male civil servants aged 40-69 years who attended a screening examination between 1967 and 1970. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Death. RESULTS: Grade of employment was a strong predictor of mortality before retirement. For men dying at ages 40-64 the lowest employment grade had 3.12 times the mortality of the highest grade (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 4.1). After retirement the ability of grade to predict mortality declined (rate ratio 1.86; 1.6 to 2.2). A non-work based measure of socioeconomic status (car ownership) predicted mortality less well than employment grade before retirement but its ability to predict mortality declined less after retirement. Using a relative index of inequality that was sensitive to the distribution among socioeconomic groups showed employment grade and car ownership to have independent associations with mortality that were of equal magnitude after retirement. The absolute difference in death rates between the lowest and highest employment grades increased with age from 12.9 per 1000 person years at ages 40-64 to 38.3 per 1000 at ages 70-89. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic differences in mortality persist beyond retirement age and in magnitude increase with age. Social differentials in mortality based on an occupational status measure seem to decrease to a greater degree after retirement than those based on a non-work measure. This suggests that alongside other socioeconomic factors work itself may play an important part in generating social inequalities in health in men of working age.

Adult↗

Incidence and relative risk of dementia in an urban elderly population: findings of a prospective field study.

To ascertain the frequency and distribution of new cases of dementing illness in the elderly population of Mannheim (population 308,000), a survey sample of community residents of > 65 years of age was re-examined after an interval of 7-8 years, and a sample of elderly persons in long-stay care after 5-6 years. The estimated annual incidence rate for all forms of dementia, after correction for ageing of the samples, was 15.4 per 1000 persons aged > 65, made up of dementia of Alzheimer type (8.9 per 1000), vascular dementia (4.4 per 1000) and other forms (2.1 per 1000). Apart from the expected association with age > 65 years, the most powerful predictors of onset of a dementing illness were residence in long-stay care and the presence of minor cognitive deficits at the initial examination, each of which was associated with a highly significant increase in risk. In addition, a number of socio-demographic characteristics (marital status, occupational history and quality of present living accommodation) was found to be predictive, though analysis of larger samples or pooled research data would be necessary to establish their importance in this respect. The findings suggest that identification of mild cognitive impairment on screening could prove helpful in assessing risk for dementia from two to three years before the condition becomes clinically apparent.

Aged↗

[Adolescent congenital heart disease: quality of life in patients not undergoing intracardiac repair].

The quality of life of adolescent patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have not undergone intracardiac repair was investigated by assessing the physical activity, complications, and the educational and occupational status of 69 patients (32 males and 37 females, average age 18 +/- 2 years) who had graduated from junior high school by April 1993. Group A consisted of 54 patients with mild CHD (small left-to-right shunt disease, mild aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, and other CHD) who reported to have no symptoms. Group B consisted of 15 patients who complained of restrictions on physical activity associated with CHD (Eisenmenger syndrome, and CHD complicated with pulmonary atresia or severe pulmonary stenosis). All group A patients were in NYHA class I, and none had had serious complications due to CHD. Their heart condition had not been a disadvantage in terms of educational and occupational opportunities after graduation from junior high school. All group B patients in NYHA class II had reduced physical activity. Eleven patients suffered from complications associated with CHD, such as brain abscess, infective endocarditis, Down syndrome, supraventricular tachycardia, brain infarction, hemoptysis, mental retardation associated with conotruncal anomaly face syndrome, and I degree AV block without symptoms. Two remained at home after graduation from junior high school, and four after high school. Only two of 15 obtained full time jobs after graduation from high school. About half of the patients with symptomatic CHD are unable to participate actively in society since graduation from junior high or high school.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Important determinants of self-efficacy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVE: To define the presenting characteristics of a population of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain seen in a tertiary rheumatology clinic, and to investigate which factors are associated with self-efficacy in these patients. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively for 196 patients who attended the clinic for the first time between October 2000 and August 2002. The primary outcome measure was self-efficacy, measured using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were pain intensity and disability due to pain. The data were analyzed using both univariate and multiple regression methods. RESULTS: These patients had typically undergone extensive investigations and tried various therapies but were left with persisting pain and poor self-efficacy. Multiple regression analysis showed that after adjustment for other factors, the presence of depressive symptoms and employment status were associated with self-efficacy. Patients who reported depressive symptoms had mean self-efficacy scores 7.0 units lower (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.2-11.9) than those who did not. Being employed was associated with higher self-efficacy. The retired had scores 8.3 units lower than employed people (95% CI: 2.4-14.2), whereas housewives and the unemployed had scores approximately 14 units lower (95% CI: 8.0-20.9 and 7.5-19.0, respectively) than employed people. There was also some evidence that distribution of painful sites was associated with self-efficacy. Patients with extensive pain had scores 4.1 units (95% CI: -0.4-8.6) lower than those with limited pain. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms, occupational status, and possibly distribution of pain are associated with the reported confidence of these patients with chronic pain in their ability to carry out everyday activities. Possible links to the idea of legitimacy of pain are discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗

An occupational tale of two cities: minorities in London and New York.

In this paper, queuing theory is tested through an examination of the occupational attainment of six groups of non-whites in London and New York. Workers in the dominant economy are distinguished from those in the niche economy and emphasis is placed on the former. Black male immigrants in New York and black female immigrants in London hold more favorable occupational status. These results reflect differences in (1) the presence of indigenous minorities--African Americans and Puerto Ricans--in New York but not London, and (2) the relatively low position of indigenous minority males compared to the relatively middling position of indigenous minority females in New York's labor queue.

Adult↗

Reduced likelihood of cancer screening among women in urban areas and with low socio-economic status: a multilevel analysis in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate socio-economic predictors of participation in cancer screening in Japanese women, paying attention to regional variations. METHODS: In a nationally representative sample of women aged 40--64 years (n=15,224) in Japan, the relationships of self-reported attendance at screening for stomach, colon, uterine and breast cancers with individual characteristics (marital status, occupation and household income) and regional variables (living in a metropolitan area or not, and per capita income) were examined using multilevel analysis. RESULTS: The participation rate ranged from 21.6% for colon cancer to 32.5% for uterine cancer. Being married, employed and having a higher household income were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of cancer screening for all types of cancer: the adjusted odds ratio in the lowest income quintile ranged from 0.45 for uterine cancer to 0.53 for colon cancer compared with the highest income quintile. There was significant regional variance, and living in a metropolitan area and per capita income were associated with a reduced likelihood of cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Women with lower socio-economic status and living in urban areas are less likely to participate in cancer screening in Japan. Cancer screening should be encouraged in urban areas, taking account of the socio-economic inequalities.

Adult↗

Life events or life processes as determinants of mental strain? A 5-year follow-up study.

In a study among Finnish metal industry employees (n = 748) mental strain was measured at the beginning and at the end of a 5-year follow-up. Life event data for the follow-up period were gathered retrospectively through a questionnaire and a later interview. Mental strain was substantially higher among blue-collar than white-collar workers. In contrast, no differences in the occurrence or in the rating of life events was observed between these groups. Self-rated undesirable events were associated with high levels and desirable events with low levels of mental strain. Similar associations were observed in three objectively defined live events, viz. divorce, promotion in the job and change in housing conditions. Life events were, however, also related with the mental strain measured prior to the life events. Both the self-rated and objectively defined desirable events had usually a favourable impact on mental well-being, whereas undesirable events in most cases slightly increased mental strain. The differences in mental strain between occupational status groups seem to be caused by differences in the life processes rather than life events. Furthermore, many life events, e.g. divorce, are actually only discrete moments in long-lasting processes, which have an impact on mental well-being. And last, desirable life events can be seen rather as a preventive than a risk factor of mental strain.

Adult↗